Wolf Watch

October 7: Primary School Hearing and Vision Screenings
St. Francis will be offering hearing and vision screenings for students who have turned four years old by September 1, 2024. Screenings will be provided by Pine Woods Screening Services (PWSS) on Monday, October 7. Click here to read the letter from PWSS.

Here’s what else you need to know:

• State-certified screeners will conduct the screenings during school hours.
• A copy of the results will be provided for school files. Students who have not passed a screening will receive a referral form for follow-up with a physician or specialist.
• Students who wear glasses should bring them to school.
• We do not refer to the screening as a “test.” Please help us by doing the same. The teachers will explain the process to our students, who will discover that they are playing two games with the screeners.
• Screenings are nondiagnostic and are not intended to be an equal alternative to an in-depth exam by a licensed physician or specialist.
• If you have any questions, please contact School Nurse Abigayle Harrington via email or at 713.458.6167.
   

Mark Your Calendar

Monday, September 30

• PS Picture Day
• Open Library: 3:00 p.m.

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Tuesday, October 1

• Blessing of the Stuffed Animals Chapel for Primary II: 9:30 a.m.; Primary II parents are invited to attend
• Primary II Furry Friends Picnic (Students Only)

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Wednesday, October 2

• No School for Students
• Parent-Teacher Conference Day

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Monday, October 7

• PS Hearing and Vision Screening (Students Only)
• Open Library: 3:00 p.m.

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Tuesday, October 8

• Chapel: 9:30 a.m.; Primary II parents are invited to attend

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Wednesday, October 9

• Blessing of the Stuffed Animals Chapel for Primary I: 9:30 a.m.; Primary I parents are invited to attend

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Thursday, October 10

• Primary II Field Trip

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Friday, October 11–Monday, October 14

• Fall Break: No school

Please Update Grandparent Information in Veracross by Tuesday
Next week, we will be sending invitations to Grandparents and Grandfriends Day for Middle School students in sixth and eighth grades. Please help us by adding grandparent contact information to Veracross by this Tuesday, October 1, at 5:00 p.m. Log in to the Parent Portal, click "My Household" in the top left corner, and click "Update Family Profile." Thank you!

Grades 6 and 8: Grandparents and Grandfriends Day Is November 20
Save the date! Grandparents and Grandfriends Day for Middle School students in grades 6 and 8 will be held on Wednesday, November 20, from 8:45 to 10:30 a.m.
 

Coming Soon: Hearing and Vision Screenings for MS Students
Middle School hearing and vision screenings are on Wednesday, October 9, for fifth graders and for NEW students in second, fourth, and eighth grades. (Please note that seventh graders will be screened on Friday, October 18.) Screenings will be provided by Pine Woods Screening Services (PWSS). Click here to read the letter from PWSS.

Here’s what else you need to know: 

• State-certified screeners will conduct the screenings during school hours.
• If your child has had any problems we should be aware of, please send a note with them. 
• A copy of the results will be provided for school files. Students who have not passed a screening will receive a referral form for follow-up with a physician or specialist.
• Students who wear glasses or contacts should bring them to school.
• Screenings are nondiagnostic and are not intended to be an equal alternative to an in-depth exam by a licensed physician or specialist. If you have concerns about your child, do not hesitate to take them to your personal physician or specialist for evaluation. 
• If you have any questions, please contact School Nurse Fay Gant, RN, via email or at 713.458.6128.

Grades 7 and 8: Calling All Dancers!
Join the St. Francis Dance Company and Varsity Cheerleaders for the Step-up Dance and Cheer Camp on Saturday, October 19, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. on Couper Campus. To register, please click here or email Kristina Revaz.
 

This Week: Parent Meetings for Summer Trips
This coming week, Dr. Eric Lloyd (Yellowstone trip), Maria Cruzalegui (DC trip), and Ted Lakoski (Europe trip) will be hosting Parent Information Sessions via Zoom for their respective trips. The Costa Rica Parent Information Session date and Zoom link will be provided in next week’s Wolf Watch. (Note: All Zoom sessions will be recorded.) Please contact Ted Lakoski, Director of Experiential Travel, at 713.458.6157 or via email.

See below for more information:

• Yellowstone National Park and the Tetons
  • Who: Rising/re-enrolled seventh graders
  • Date: June 16–20, 2025
  • Trip Leader: Dr. Eric Lloyd
  • Trip Information and Application:
    • Trip Details and Registration Information
    • Required St. Francis Travel Application (To Be Printed)
  • Parent Information Session via Zoom:
    • Date: Friday, October 4, at 9:00 a.m. (A recording of this session will be made available in Wolf Watch.)
    • Zoom Link for Parent Information Session
      Meeting ID: 609 000 6473
      Passcode: Wolves
• Washington, DC
  • Who: Rising/re-enrolled sixth graders
  • Date: June 1–5, 2025
  • Trip Leader: Maria Cruzalegui
  • Trip Information and Application: Coming soon!
  • Parent Information Session via Zoom:
    • Date: Friday, October 4, at 8:00 a.m. (A recording of this session will be made available in Wolf Watch.)
    • Zoom Link for Parent Information Session
      Meeting ID: 916 707 7275
      Passcode: wolves
• Costa Rica
  • Who: Rising/re-enrolled eighth graders
  • Date: June 1–14, 2025
  • Trip Leader: Liz Ward
  • Parent Information Session via Zoom: The date will be provided in next week's Wolf Watch.
• Europe
  • Where: London, Paris, Italy, Lucerne, and more!
  • Who: Rising/re-enrolled Upper School students (rising grades 9–12)
  • Date: June 2–13, 2025
  • Trip Leader: Ted Lakoski, assisted by Marion Tolon (Coach T)
  • Trip Information and Application:
    • Trip Details and Registration Information
    • Required St. Francis Travel Application (To Be Printed)
  • Parent Information Session via Zoom: 
    • Date: Monday, September 30, at 11:00 a.m. (A recording of this session will be made available in Wolf Watch.)
    • Zoom Link for Parent Information Session
      Meeting ID: 732 4374 9978
      Passcode: Wolves

A Note About Community Service Hours
St. Francis Episcopal School recognizes and celebrates students who involve themselves in helping others. During the 2024–25 school year, students in each grade level are required to participate in completing a minimum number of service hours, as follows:

• Fifth Grade: 10 hours
• Sixth Grade: 10 hours
• Seventh Grade: 15 hours
• Eighth Grade: 20 hours

To submit your service hours, complete the Community Service Hours Request Form and drop it off in the Middle School Office or email a PDF to Sarah Flores. The deadline to submit volunteer hours for the 2024-25 school year is Friday, May 2, 2025.
 

Mark Your Calendar

Monday, September 30

• “B” Day
• Dress Uniform
• Regular Class Schedule
• MS Individual Picture Day
  • Note: Fifth graders will be taking photos during PE, so please come to school in Dress Uniform.
• MS Chapel: 9:50–10:20 a.m.

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Tuesday, October 1

• “A” Day
• Regular Uniform
• Regular Class Schedule
• No Before-School Tutorials Available Due to Faculty Meeting

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Wednesday, October 2

• No School: Parent-Teacher Conferences; students should attend with parents

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Thursday, October 3

• “B” Day
• Regular Uniform
• Regular Class Schedule
• No Chapel (Club B)

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Friday, October 4

• “A” Day
• Dress Uniform
• Special Schedule
• Combined MS/US Eucharist Chapel: 10:05–11:05 a.m.

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Monday, October 7

• “B” Day
• Dress Uniform
• Regular Class Schedule
• MS Chapel: 9:50–10:20 a.m.

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Tuesday, October 8

• “A” Day
• Regular Uniform
• Regular Class Schedule
• Grade 7 Leaves for OLE Field Trip: 7:45 a.m.

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Wednesday, October 9

• “B” Day
• Regular Uniform
• Regular Class Schedule
• Grade 6 Leaves for OLE Field Trip: 7:45 a.m.

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Thursday, October 10

• “A” Day
• Regular Class Schedule
• Grade 5 Leaves for OLE Field Trip: 7:45 a.m.
• Grades 6 & 7 Return From OLE Field Trip: 2:30 p.m.
• Grade 5 Returns From OLE Field Trip: 6:30 p.m.

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Friday, October 11–Monday, October 14

• Fall Break: No school

October 7: Hearing and Vision Screening for New US Students
Upper School hearing and vision screenings are Monday, October 7. These are for any NEW Upper School students. Screenings will be provided by Pine Woods Screening Services (PWSS). Click here to read the letter from PWSS.

Here’s what else you need to know:

• State-certified screeners will conduct the screenings during school hours.
• If your child has had any problems we should be aware of, please send a note with them. 
• A copy of the results will be provided for school files. Students who have not passed a screening will receive a referral form for follow-up with a physician or specialist.
• Students who wear glasses or contacts should bring them to school.
• Screenings are nondiagnostic and are not intended to be an equal alternative to an in-depth exam by a licensed physician or specialist. If you have concerns about your child, do not hesitate to take them to your personal physician or specialist for evaluation.
• If you have any questions, please contact School Nurse Madeleine Tiemann, RN, via email or at 713.458.6167.
   

Grades 10 and 11: PSAT Is October 16 + Device Prep Continues This Week
In preparation for taking the PSAT on Wednesday, October 16, students will sign in to the Bluebook application for the first time this week and complete exam setup during designated advisory sessions. Students must bring their charged device to these sessions to complete setup successfully. Here are the advisory dates:

• Advisory for Juniors: Monday, September 30, 10:00–10:35 a.m.
• Advisory for Sophomores: Thursday, October 3, 10:00–10:35 a.m. 

REQUIRED: Students MUST bring their FULLY CHARGED laptop to successfully complete their exam setup. With questions, please email Claudia Mejia, Director of College Counseling.
 

Europe Trip in Summer 2025: Parent Info Session Is Tomorrow
This summer, St. Francis is offering our Upper School students the trip of a lifetime, visiting amazing sites in England, France, Italy, and Switzerland. There will be a Parent Information Session via Zoom tomorrow—Monday, September 30, at 11:00 a.m. For more information, please reach out to Ted Lakoski, Director of Experiential Travel, at 713.458.6157 or via email.

• Where: London, Paris, Italy, Lucerne, and more!
• Who: Rising/re-enrolled Upper School students (rising grades 9–12)
• Date: June 2–13, 2025
• Trip Leader: Ted Lakoski, assisted by Marion Tolon (Coach T)
• Trip Information and Application:
  • View Trip Details and Registration Information
  • Required St. Francis Travel Application (To Be Printed)
• Parent Information Session via Zoom: 
  • Date: Monday, September 30, at 11:00 a.m. (A recording of this session will be made available in a future Wolf Watch.)
  • Zoom Link to Parent Info Session
    Meeting ID: 732 4374 9978
    Passcode: Wolves

New Attendance Line: How to Report Student Absences and Appointments 

HOW TO REPORT UNPLANNED ABSENCES
When your child will be absent due to illness or for other unexpected reasons:

1. Notify us by emailing the new Upper School Attendance Line, or submit an absence via your Parent Portal.
2. Please always provide the reason for the absence.
3. Report each day your child will be out of school; otherwise, your student will be counted as Absent Unexcused.

Please note: Letting teachers know of an absence is helpful; however, the US Attendance Line is monitored and is considered the “official” way to notify administration.

HOW TO REPORT APPOINTMENTS OR EARLY DEPARTURES
When your student needs to leave campus during the school day:

1. Please let us know in advance that your child has permission to leave campus by emailing USAttendance@StFrancisHouston.org or by notifying us through the Parent Portal.
2. When it’s time for the student to leave, they should sign out with Upper School Office Manager Lydia Urbanek, and sign in with Ms. Urbanek upon their return to campus. (Parents do not need to sign for their students as long as parental permission has been given.)
3. If a student is attending a doctor’s appointment, please provide a doctor’s note.
    

Grades 10–12: Upcoming College Representative Visits
College representatives visit our school each fall. Students in grades 10–12 can view the list of visiting colleges via their Scoir accounts. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors are encouraged to attend these informational meetings with college representatives to learn more about different colleges, major programs, and personal goals.

• College representatives visit during the advisory period.
• View the list of upcoming college representative visits.
• For further information, please contact Claudia Mejia, Director of College Counseling.
   

Mark Your Calendar

Monday, September 30

• “B” Day
• Dress Uniform
• Individual and Senior Pictures: 9:00–11:00 a.m.

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Tuesday, October 1

• “A” Day
• Regular Uniform
• Chapel: 10:00–10:30 a.m. in Crum Gym

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Wednesday, October 2

• Parent-Teacher Conferences (Student Holiday): Sign up via the Parent Portal

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Thursday, October 3

• “B” Day
• Regular Uniform

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Friday, October 4

• “A” Day
• Dress Uniform
• Eucharist Feast of St. Francis (Special Schedule)

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Monday, October 7

• “B” Day
• Regular Uniform
• Hearing and Vision Screenings (New Students Only): 11:00 a.m. in Crum Gym

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Tuesday, October 8

• “A” Day
• Regular Uniform
• Upper School Chapel: 10:00–10:30 a.m. in Crum Gym

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Wednesday, October 9

• “B” Day
• Regular Uniform

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Thursday, October 10

• “A” Day
• Regular Uniform

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Friday, October 11–Monday, October 14

• Fall Break: School closed

October 6: Outreach Sunday
Join us to make sandwiches and snack bags for Lord of the Streets on Sunday, October 6. The fun begins immediately after the 9:00 a.m. service in the Wheatcroft Parish Hall and will be completed before the 11:00 a.m. service. Come and join in the fellowship while doing great things for those in need.
 

October 6: Blessing of the Animals
Mark your calendar and join us for St. Francis’s Annual Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 6, at 4:00 p.m. in the school’s Courtyard. Along with blessings and pictures, bring a donation for Citizens for Animal Protection (CAPS). A local veterinarian will be in attendance to answer your pet-related questions.
 

October 7: Mahjong Monday
Join us Monday, October 7, to learn to play mahjong, a fun and popular game that tasks you with solving a tile-matching puzzle before you run out of moves. Each workshop is a stand-alone beginner class. For more information or to sign up, email Allison Devlin.
 

October 13: Book Study—'How to Know a Person'
Fr. David Price will lead a book study on the bestseller How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen on four consecutive Sundays—October 13, October 20, October 27, and November 3.

• Author David Brooks, an op-ed columnist for The New York Times and writer for The Atlantic, draws from many fields to present a hopeful, integrated approach to human connection. Consider purchasing your own copy, reading, and joining in.
• Discussions will take place at 10:15 a.m. in the Parish Office Conference Room.
• For more information, please email Fr. Price.
   

October 13: Introduction to St. Francis
Join Fr. Bates for an introduction to St. Francis Episcopal Church on Sunday, October 13, or Sunday, November 3. We will meet at 10:00 a.m. in the new library near the Wheatcroft Parish Hall and nursery. Parents, you are welcome to leave your children in the nursery. This is a great opportunity for new or prospective members to get to know SFEC and Fr. Bates as he gives an overview of our mission, ministry, and programs. RSVP to Julie Lowery—or just stop in, and we'll happily welcome you!
 

Join Us Each Sunday for Worship and Family-Focused Events

• Sunday Family Worship Service: 9:00 a.m.
• Let It Shine Children's Bible Lesson: On Sundays during the 9:00 a.m. Family Worship Service, join Mrs. Devlin to learn about the Bible as we act out Scripture with costumes and props and pray together.
• Coffee and Donuts: Every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. (after the 9:00 a.m. Family Worship Service), get a cup of coffee and enjoy a time of fellowship.
• Holy Eucharist Rite II Traditional Service With Choral Music: 11:00 a.m.
• Holy Eucharist Rite I Service: 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. in the St. Clare Chapel
   

Join Us for Lower and Middle School Book Clubs
On Sundays after the 9:00 a.m. Family Worship Service, Lower and Middle School students are invited to join their friends for weekly meetings to talk about some amazing, Biblically inspired stories. Book clubs will meet in rooms ch204 and ch207, upstairs in the Wheatcroft Parish Hall.

• Grades 1–4: The Dead Sea Squirrels by Mike Nawrocki
• Grades 5–8: The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan

We need more high school–aged volunteers! For more information or to sign up or volunteer, please email Allison Devlin.
 

Now on Spotify: Sermons From St. Francis
Sermons From St. Francis are now on Spotify. You can listen on an Apple or Android device, on your desktop computer, or on your tablet. The Sunday sermons are available anytime you want to be inspired while on the go. No Spotify account is necessary. Click here to start listening today! 
 

Outreach Ministries: Opportunities to Serve
For additional information about any of the following outreach opportunities, visit the St. Francis Episcopal Church Outreach page or contact the church's Director of Outreach Heather Burkhart.

• Memorial Assistance Ministries has an urgent plea from the pantry team for baby wipes, tissues, size 6 diapers, dish soap, and spray cleaner.
• Lord of the Streets needs weekday volunteers between 8:00 a.m. and noon to serve our homeless neighbors. Over 300 hot meals are served daily. St. Francis also collects men’s clothes on an ongoing basis—men’s shoes are always needed.
• The Fair Haven Food Pantry needs volunteers and donations of non-perishable food.
   

Healing Prayers and Anointings Available
Healing prayers and anointings are always available after Sunday Eucharist services, or you may schedule an appointment with a priest. For more information or to schedule an appointment, email Sally Jo Flores or call 832.325.2983.
  

Share Your Prayer Requests Online
Share your prayer requests with us on the St. Francis Episcopal Church home page by clicking on "Prayer & Worship" at the top left of the website, then clicking on the “Prayer Requests” link in the dropdown menu.

Bible Studies at St. Francis

MEN'S BIBLE STUDIES

• Tuesdays at 7:00–8:00 a.m.
  • Study: Gospel of John
  • Contact: Fr. David Price
  • Location: La Madeleine (except on second Tuesday of each month, when group meets in Wheatcroft Parish Hall)
• Men’s Fellowship Breakfast and Study: Second Tuesday of Each Month at 8:00–9:30 a.m.
  • Study: The Book of Genesis (Life of Joseph)
  • Location: Wheatcroft Parish Hall
  • Contact: Sally Jo Flores

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDIES

• Wednesdays from 9:30–11:00 a.m.
  • Study: The Gospel of John
  • Location: Wheatcroft Parish Hall
  • Contact: Allison Devlin
• Thursdays from 9:00–10:00 a.m.
  • Book Study: Christian Character
  • Contact: Louise Richman
  • Location: Via Zoom (Contact Louise for passcode.)

ADULT BIBLE STUDY

• Sundays at 10:00–11:00 a.m.
  • Study: Gospel of Mark
  • Location: Hogan Board Room
  • Contact: George Hippard

How to Watch Sunday Service Via Livestream
To join St. Francis Episcopal Church’s 9:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. Sunday service via livestream, open an Internet browser on your computer, laptop, or phone. Type in the St. Francis website—sfch.org. Scroll down to the “Watch Our Live Stream” section. Either the 9:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. service will be available.

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